New Orleans Wine and Food Experience coming in May
By Staff
April 2, 2003
Many years ago there was an annual wine gathering called the National Wine Auction. It was an auction featuring old wines, some very old wines, as well as some very new ones.
It was there I once bought two bottles from 1827, both of which proved moderately drinkable. I still have one of the hand-blown bottles on display in my wine cellar, although its contents are long gone.
The auction rotated between New Orleans and Atlanta. Virtually every major winery had a booth with free tastings of their various products, without limitation as to quantity.
When they opened antiquities, however, wines dating back to the 1800s and once even to the 1700s, you had to line up. They would pour a thimbleful of these precious and irreplaceable wines for each taster until the bottle was empty. There were no second trips.
The auction itself was not by the bottle, unless it was an antiquity, but by case lots, one, five, 10, 20 or more depending on the winery. We bought some marvelous bargains there and a few not so marvelous. There was no return privilege.
Eventually the National Wine Auction ended not because it wasn't being well attended, but because they ran out of old wines to taste and sell. An agenda with all new wines was not attractive enough to create an auction.
But in its place came local wine tastings and sometimes auctions. In California, Napa Valley has one. So does Sonoma County. The Wine Spectator magazine sponsors a major tasting which alternates between the West Coast and East Coast. When you include travel, hotel, meals and fees, you're looking at a minimum of $3,000 to attend.
In our part of the country we are fortunate. A number of years ago the city of New Orleans decided to hold an annual event of its own. The New Orleans Wine and Food Experience is coming up May 21-24.
The highlights are many. One is the Royal Street Stroll. Each participant is given a glass and each Royal Street store has a supply of different wines. You walk, you stop in, you ask for a taste, you go on to the next one. The street is closed except for those who have paid the $49 fee.
There are two grand tastings, one Friday night and one Saturday. There will be an uncounted number of wineries pouring at these tastings and, again, drink whatever you want and as much as you want. The fee for each grand tasting is $79.
Combine the Stroll with one of the tastings for $116. The Stroll and both grand tastings may be purchased for $195. There are lunches and seminars as well, far too many for me to list. If you want the complete package, all tastings, the Stroll, seminars, Bubbles and Brunch everything they have to offer the one ticket buys all price is $395 per person.
But one feature you will not want to miss is the Vintner Dinners on Wednesday. Virtually every famous restaurant in the Crescent City (and some, I suspect, not so famous), 40 in all, pairs its food and a predetermined menu with a particular winery.
For example Arnaud's is paired with Edmeades and La Crema wines. Galatoire's is matched with DeLoach and Geyser Peak wines. Brennan's will feature its food and Kendall-Jackson wines. If you go to Commander's Palace, you will be served Chalk Hill and Toad Hollow wines with dinner.
Here's what the promotional literature says: "Experience the Vintner Dinners join the outstanding restaurants that make New Orleans a premier culinary destination and the exceptional wines of the world. Principals, often the winemakers, are present to share the wines with each course. Chefs and vintners plan their menus together, ensuring outstanding food and wine pairings. Space is limited. Contact restaurants directly for reservation and payment information."
The cost of each dinner is $85 or $170 per couple. Vintner dinners are not included in the New Orleans Wine and Food Experience packages.
If you're interested in attending, the phone number is (504) 529-WINE and the fax number is (504) 596-FOOD. You also can register online at www.nowfe.com.
It's a wine and food lovers heaven.
